The Gardeners' Chronicle says : "Prunus Pissardi is certainly one of the most remarkably hardy shrubs in cultivation. We know of none which can in any way vie with it in the splendor of its intense red foliage. The fruits, too, even in a young state, are also a deep red color - a character which perhaps does not obtain in any other plum. The species is still rare in gardens indeed, the only locality where we have seen it in this country is the Waltham Cross nurseries of Messrs. W. Paul & Son - but its rare ornamental character is sure to make it a general favorite before long. A colored plate of the foliage and a full description of the plant, together with the history of its introduction, is given in the Revue Horticole for 1881. The specific name was given by M. Carriere, in honor of M. Pissard (head gardener to the Shah of Persia), who sent the plant to France. It is found about Tauris, an important Persian town about 450 kilometres from Teheran, where it is still rare and much sought after on account of the bright coloring of the leaves, and particularly of the fruits, which are deep red even as soon as formed. Before being ripe these are used for the decoration of desserts, and are also eaten with salt; when quite ripe they are of fairly good quality.

M. Carriere recommends that the plant should be used for enlivening beds or borders near dwellings, as its leaves, flowers, fruit, as well as the deep blackish-red shining bark, constitute a perpetual ornament. Its dwarf branching habit renders it a fit subject to be grown in pots, like spiraeas and other similar shrubs."